Fiddleworks, a four-day intensive music camp, is set to open on Sunday, Aug. 13 with a special concert from the instructors. The classes take place at the YMCA camp near Langdale starting Monday morning, and the camp has closed registration already with about 100 participants, aged from five to 85, signed up to learn many different fiddle styles plus other instruments – cello, viola, guitar, piano – as well as singing, art classes and outdoor programming.
The Sunshine Coast Celtic Music School had 15 good years in Roberts Creek every summer and it attracted quality instructors from around the world, but for many reasons, including volunteer burnout, it is not operating this year. Musician Michelle Bruce hopes that the Fiddleworks program that has run similar successful camps on Salt Spring Island, will fill the void.
“Our daughter, Sylvie, went to music camp in Castlegar,” Bruce said, “and was so inspired by how much you can learn in a week that she wanted to hold a camp here.”
Bruce teaches music – and many junior violinists from her classes will be attending Fiddleworks – but in this case Bruce will be hosting and helping out. Many of the instructors are familiar to her from previous Roberts Creek camps: fiddler Gordon Stobbe and guitarist Andy Hillhouse, for example. Each morning the camp begins with participants gathering to perform together.
“I’m curious as to how 100 people can come together quickly to form an orchestra,” said Bruce, laughing.
The public is invited to attend any of the concerts to take place at the Roberts Creek Hall.
Fiddleworks Instructors Showcase Concert is at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 13 at the Roberts Creek Community Hall. Tickets are $20/$10 and can be purchased at www.fiddleworks.ca or at the door. On Tuesday, Aug. 15 the public is invited to a Community Dance at 7 p.m. at Roberts Creek Hall. It’s a fun and festive evening of called and free dances. No tickets required, but capacity is limited with a suggested donation of $5 per person or $15 per family.
On Wednesday, Aug. 16, everyone is welcome to attend the Camp Variety Show at 7 p.m., also at the Roberts Creek Hall. Individuals or groups can sing, play, act, joke, do acrobatics, magic or storytelling. No charge. And on Thursday, Aug. 17, it’s time for the final Gala Concert at 7 p.m. at the Hall, featuring all camp classes and the Fiddleworks Camp Orchestra. Suggested donation for the gala is $5 per person or $15 per family.
